Newcastle Look To Hijack Arsenal Move For Raphinha As Discussions Held

Newcastle United have held discussions with Leeds United over the potential signing of Raphinha, according to reports.

The winger has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners already submitting two offers, the first being £50 million which was rejected.

The second bid has yet to be responded to, but it is likely that Leeds will reject it until a club can reach their steep valuation of £65 million.

Leeds have reportedly already agreed to allow midfielder Kalvin Phillips to leave the club this summer, who is set to join Premier League champions Manchester City in a £45 million deal.

Arsenal have already completed the signings of midfielder Fabio Vieira from FC Porto, winger Marquinhos and goalkeeper Matt Turner from New England Revolution, while a deal to sign striker Gabriel Jesus will be completed imminently.

However, in order to sign Raphinha, Arsenal will have to fend off interest from the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and now, according to the Northern Echo, Newcastle have also made an enquiry about his availability.

Raphinha was key to Leeds United remaining in the Premier League last season (Alamy)

Under new and extremely wealthy ownership, Eddie Howe's side are hoping to catapult to a new level and are revamping their squad completely.

The Magpies have already signed goalkeeper Nick Pope and left back Matt Targett, who impressed at the club on loan last season.

Central defender Sven Botman is also close to joining the club.

Newcastle's top two targets now appear to be Raphinha and Moussa Diaby, although both would be hard to attain.

Arsenal have a firm interest in completing the signing of Raphinha, and it's believed the player is leaning towards the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have built up a good core of Brazilian stars, with defender Gabriel, wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos as well as the imminent signing of Jesus up top.